R. L. Stine’s 90s’ book collection of horror, monsters, creepy creatures that spooked children and adults alike, found itself a sequel on the big screens but will remain a dull affair in comparisons of its memorable predecessor.

Goosebumps still remains one of the most exciting and proper presentation of Goosebumps stories, that had its charm, great cast lead by Jack Black, VFX, humor at the right moments but more importantly had a great storyline and something for all.

Director Ari Sandel, whose ‘When We First Met’ was a great Netflix success, will face a lot of criticism for this one, as it just doesn’t really feel like a goosebump story. Goosebumps 2 lacks the charm and inventiveness of its predecessor, but still has a reasonable amount of entertainment value to offer.

Watch the trailer here:

The story begins in a small town Wardenclyffe, New York, where R. L. Stine originally lived. Sonny (Jeremy Ray Taylor) is struggling with his science class project – a miniature replica of an experimental wireless transmission station in Wardenclyffe that was built and designed by Nikola Tesla, but never finished (aka. the Tesla Tower), which also is the story’s main plot.

Sonny and his best pal Sam Carter (Caleel Harris) go to R. L. Stine’s place to clean it but find a chest that has a book. Opening it brings Slappy to this world and he then wreaks havoc on all on the day of Halloween.

Sonny and his sister Sarah (Madison Iseman) along with Sam fight against Slappy and all the creatures that he brings to life and somehow win in defeating Slappy and saving the town. Which is a safer bet for any movie, teenagers saving the day but also a major setback for Goosebump story where it has a lot more to offer.

Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween is entertaining but lacks the real essence of a Goosebump story.

We give 2 stars with no kink.

Review

2.0

★★★★★

★★★★★

Summary: Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween is entertaining but lacks the real essence of a Goosebump story.